A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Barcelona
A major city in Spain, pronounced with a clear 'o' sound at the end, not an 'ah'.
barcelona
bar-suh-LOH-nuh
/bɑr.səˈloʊ.nə/ · bar · suh · lo · nuh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also the name of a famous football club.
Where the word comes from
The name Barcelona likely derives from the Iberian word 'Barcino', possibly named after the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, though this is debated.
Common ways people get it wrong
- bar-suh-LON-uh The stress is on the third syllable, 'LO', not the last syllable 'na'. Make sure the 'o' sound is clear.
- bar-see-LON-uh The 'ce' in Spanish is pronounced like 'th' or 's', but in English, it's commonly softened to an 's' sound, making 'suh'.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce the 'c' in Barcelona?
In English, the 'c' is typically pronounced like an 's' sound, as in 'sue'. So, it's 'Bar-suh-loh-nuh'.
Is the last syllable 'nah' or 'nuh'?
The final syllable is usually a soft 'uh' sound, similar to the 'a' in 'sofa'. It's not a strong 'ah'.
Where is Barcelona?
Barcelona is a major city located in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. It's known for its art, architecture, and beaches.
What is the correct pronunciation of Barcelona?
The most common pronunciation in Spanish is "bar-the-LO-na", with the 'c' pronounced like 'th'. In Catalan, it is "bar-su-LO-na", with the 'c' pronounced like 's'.
Why is Barcelona sometimes pronounced 'Barthelona'?
This pronunciation reflects the Castilian Spanish pronunciation where the 'c' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced like 'th'.
How do you pronounce 'Barça'?
Barça is pronounced 'BAR-suh', with the 'ç' having an 's' sound, common in Catalan.
